A former Georgia sheriff’s deputy was arrested Thursday after an investigation by the GBI.
John Pursley, 53, was charged with two counts of simple assault and one count of violation of oath of public officer. The GBI opened a use-of-force investigation Tuesday after an incident that occurred inside the Jackson County jail.
The state agency said the investigation indicated that Pursley assaulted an inmate after an argument. He turned himself into the Jackson County Jail without incident.
“As the sheriff, I hold all of our staff to a higher standard, at all times. This is a hard day, for not only me, but for all of our staff,” Janis Mangum said in an email to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Pursley’s record with the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council does not show any prior disciplinary actions.
Once the GBI completes its investigation, the findings will be turned over to the Jackson County district attorney.
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